Plan an ultra-affordable family escape with money-saving tips, fantastic freebies and deals

Spend Less This Year

Spend Less This Year

You will likely use your credit card for some or all of your vacation expenses, so go to CardHub.com to compare cards and apply for the one that gives you the best rewards on travel deals.

√ Visit Groupon

Even if you don't book your trip through Groupon.com, the site is a great place to bargain-hunt for activities. "I once signed up for Groupon in Maui before a trip and purchased an underwater 'Snuba' adventure that combined snorkeling and scuba diving at 70% off the original price," says Lissa Poirot, editor of the family travel planning site FamilyVacationCritic.com.

√ Snag old-fashioned coupons

Official state welcome centers, which are often located on highways as you enter a new state, offer racks full of coupon booklets that contain great discounts on entrance fees for local attractions, restaurants, motels and more.

Theme & Amusement Parks

Theme & Amusement Parks

Between the cost of admission and the price of food, drinks and extras, these venues can be money pits unless you plan ahead.

√ Clip cyber coupons

Visit RetailMeNot.com, which is not just for shopping. "It also serves as a deal aggregator for tours and attractions like amusement parks," says Poirot. Go to the "Browse by Category" tab and click on "Travel" to explore the savings, or search specific destinations.

They may not advertise it, but many parks allow you to bring in your own food, which can save you hundreds. Check the park's policy before visiting.

√ Team up with your neighbors

There's savings in numbers: The roller-coaster lovers' mecca Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH, for example, offers $37 tickets to members of groups of 15 or more. That's a savings of $17.99 per person off the individual price at the gate. See if you can team up for a group rate at the park of your choice.

√ Stick to local attractions

Choosing a park close to where you live will reduce your travel costs, and many smaller regional parks can be surprisingly wallet-friendly. For instance: Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT, touts "Big thrills for a small price" every Friday evening when rides, hot dogs and sodas go for just 50¢ each. On Saturday nights the historic park offers a $35 carload rate, which includes access to all rides for up to 10 people per vehicle until 10 P.M.